Never-Ending Patent Wars: Ericsson Sues Samsung

The dispute centers around an expired licensing agreement

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC), a maker of mobile phone technology, is suing Samsung for violating its patents.

In the suit, the Sweden-based firm claims that Samsung is continuing to use Ericsson technology after the expiration of a licensing agreement. Ericsson claims that Samsung isn’t renewing the agreement on the same terms Ericsson got from other companies, reports CNNMoney.

Samsung says Ericsson is asking a substantially higher price for the renewal of the license agreement. The Korean-based technology firm, in a statement, claims it doesn’t have the ability to meet Ericsson’s “extreme demands.” Samsung also said all avenues will be available to defend against Ericsson’s claims. Both firms, in separate statements, have said they’re attempting to negotiate a “fair” and “reasonable” agreement.

Ericsson currently holds more than 30,000 patents and licenses them to more than 100 other firms. The issue between Ericsson and Samsung centers on licenses concerning telecom and networking.

Samsung is no stranger to lawsuits. The firm is wrapped up in another conflicting set of patent suits with rival Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL). Ericsson’s Samsung lawsuit was filed in Texas, the location of Ericsson’s U.S. operations.